Definitions Of Yoga

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Definitions of yoga in terms of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism are spiritual and discipline. It has been loved by diverse demographics. Yoga is more than posturing and increasing flexibility of our body, but it also works as a technique of not only controlling our body and mind but also managing our souls.
“The traditional purpose of Yoga, however, has always been to bring about a profound transformation in the person through the transcendence of the ego.”
Feuerstein3 (Ettington, 2012)

The earliest beginning of yoga is still not clear, but one essay suggests that traditional yoga was originated in the Indus civilization and the early Vedic religious traditions (Jacobsen, 2005). Since then, yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and evolved and changed over time.
American history of yoga starts from the time when a quota was imposed on Indian immigrants by the United States Immigrant Services, and this quota allowed Americans can visit and travel the East Asia for teaching purposes. In 1947, Theos Bernard came back to the United States from India and wrote a book called Hatha Yoga: The Report of a Personal Experience. Also, at the similar time, Indra Devi, known as the grandfather of American yoga, opened the first yoga studio in California. Richard Hittleman, however, was the most contributed person who spread yoga to the large population (Hammond, n.d.).
Yoga has the eightfold path, which is structural processes for yoga practices. Practicing these eight paths allows all elements of our body balanced and brings completeness to our lives if we are connected to the divine (Doran, n.d.). Among eight paths, Asanas and Pranayama are the types that are most known to the public.
Asanas means practicing body postures by foc...

... middle of paper ...

... pranayama, really helps people to focus on their lives more and gives them different perspectives on their lives. I would define yoga as a guide that leads people to reach to their utmost condition and place.

Citation
Doran, J,D,W. (n.d.) The Eight Limbs , The Core of Yoga. Retrieved from http://www.expressionsofspirit.com/yoga/eight-limbs.htm
Ettington, M. (2012). Raja Yoga – Through the Ages. M.K. Ettington Books. Retrieved from https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/238113

Farhi, D. (n.d.). What are Yoga Asanas and Why Practice Them. Retrieved from https://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/What_are_Yoga_Asanas_and_Why_Practice_Them/1092/2

Hammond, H. (n.d.). Yoga’s Trip to America. Yoga Journal. Retrieved from http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/467

Jacob, A, K. (2005). Theory and Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson. MA: Brill Leiden-Boston.

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